EB3 Eligibility: How to Qualify for the U.S. Green Card

The EB-3 visa is a popular pathway for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in the United States. Understanding EB3 eligibility is the first step to qualifying for this employment-based visa, whether you are a professional, skilled worker, or unskilled laborer. 

This guide will explain the requirements, benefits, and application process, helping you take the right steps toward living and working permanently in the U.S.

1. What is the EB3 Visa?

EB-3 visa is an immigrant visa based on employment that allows foreigners to receive an American permanent residence (a Green card). It can be considered one of the most popular ways of skilled workers, professionals, and other workers to live and work in the U.S. permanently.

The EB-3 visa is divided into three subcategories:

• EB-3(A): Professionals – Individuals with at least a U.S. bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent.
• EB-3(B): Skilled Workers – Workers with at least two years of training or experience.
• EB-3(C): Other Workers – Unskilled labor requiring less than two years of training or experience.

Each subcategory has specific requirements, and knowing EB 3 visa eligibility is essential. Applicants should also check EB3 visa eligible countries to confirm their nationality qualifies.

Overview of EB3 eligibility and the three subcategories of the EB-3 visa

2. Benefits of the EB3 Visa

There are some significant advantages to obtaining an EB-3 visa:

• Permanent Residency: EB-3 visa gives you the privilege to reside and work in the U.S. permanently. This gives you and your family the long term stability.
• Family Inclusion: Your unmarried children younger than 21 years of age and spouse can also be part of your application, and be granted permanent residency.
• Path to Citizenship: Once you have had a Green Card a specified number of years (typically five) you can apply to become a U.S. citizen.
• Job Flexibility: When you have your Green Card you can switch employers under specific circumstances without losing your permanent resident status.

3. EB3 Visa Eligibility Requirements

The EB3 eligibility criteria vary depending on the visa subcategory. Below are the detailed requirements for each:

3.1. EB-3(A) – Professionals

To qualify under this subcategory:

• You should have a U.S. Bachelor degree or foreign equivalent.
• The position that is provided cannot have a lower qualification than a bachelors degree.
• The education and experience cannot replace the degree.

Tips for EB3 eligibility: Ensure your degree is recognized and evaluated if obtained outside the U.S., and confirm that the job description explicitly requires a bachelor's degree.

3.2. EB-3(B) – Skilled Workers

Requirements include:

• At least two years of job experience or formal training in your field.
• The position must require at least two years of experience or training.
• The job must not be temporary or seasonal in nature.

EB3 eligibility insight: Documenting your work experience through reference letters and employment verification can strengthen your case and improve your overall EB3 eligibility.

3.3. EB-3(C) – Other Workers (Unskilled Workers)

Eligibility criteria:

• Capable of performing unskilled labor that requires less than two years of training or experience.
• It can not be a temporary or seasonal job.
• The employer has to prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers who can be hired to take the job.

Ensure your EB-3 application is on the right track—connect with UOM’s team for dedicated support and guidance to confirm your EB3 eligibility.

Detailed EB3 eligibility requirements for each category

4. General EB3 Visa Eligibility Criteria

Along with the particular requirements of each of the subcategories of EB-3, applicants should be able to meet the following general requirements:

• Permanent Labor Certification (PERM): Your employer in the U.S. needs to get a PERM labor certification with the Department of Labor (DOL). Such a certification is an assurance that there are no available U.S qualified workers to fill the post. This will involve advertisement of job, payment confirmation, and employment solvency by the employer.
• Job Offer: This would require the applicant to have a permanent and full-time employment opportunity with an American employer. The job should be a bonafide job and not seasonal work.
• Employer Sponsorship: The employer has to submit Form I-140, Immigrant Petition to Alien Worker, on behalf of the applicant. In this petition, the applicant has shown that he/she has the education, experience, and skill requirements needed in the position being offered and this is what additionally supports the applicant as being EB3 eligibility.

Meeting these general criteria is essential for EB3 eligibility, and understanding EB 3 visa eligibility thoroughly can help prevent delays or denials in your application process.

5. EB3 Visa Application Process

There are a number of steps to follow when applying to an EB3 visa and it is important to be aware of each of them to help your EB3 eligibility remain intact at all times. The five steps are broken down here in detail:

Step 1: Case Evaluation

The first step is to assess your qualifications and work experience to determine if you meet EB3 eligibility criteria. This includes your education, working history and any other records about you. You are provided with a personalized checklist to ensure that you have all the items ready to start your application.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Then, your personal and work history is checked and processed. If necessary, you may be connected with qualified U.S. sponsors. This is necessary to guarantee that your job offer and supporting documentation is in compliance with all U.S Department of labor and USCIS requirements. This is where proper preparation reduces delays or denials.

For a complete list of required EB-3 documents and helpful templates, visit UOM’s EB-3 Document Library to ensure your application is fully prepared.

Application process to maintain EB3 eligibility

Step 3: PERM & Petition Filing

Once your documents are ready the employer or legal representative files the PERM labor certification with the U.S. Department of Labor to show that there are no citizens of the U.S. who are qualified to perform the job. Once a PERM is approved, I-140 is submitted to USCIS.

Your application is kept a close eye during this step and updates made in real time to keep you on course. This is a highly important compliance area to ensure the safeguarding of your EB3 eligibility.

Step 4: Consular Interview or Adjustment of Status (AOS)

The following step is a consular interview (when you are outside of the U.S.) or Adjustment of Status (AOS) in the U.S. To prepare this step, all the paperwork will be reviewed and to be sure of confidence and compliance, there will be a mock interview. This is a very important step in the process of securing the EB-3 visa.

Step 5: Green Card Issuance & Relocation

Once approved, you are issued with your Green Card and you can begin making arrangements to move to the U.S. You are also assisted to go through entry processes, post entry procedures and begin employment with your sponsoring employer. The last stage is what changes your life, career and lifestyle as it gives you permanent residency in the United States.

For a smoother and more reliable EB-3 application process, consult with UOM’s team of experts to increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency in the U.S.

6. Processing Times and Visa Bulletin

Processing times for an EB-3 visa can vary depending on the category, your country of origin, and individual circumstances:

• PERM Labor Certification: Approximately 6 to 12 months.
• Form I-140 Processing: Typically 6 to 12 months.
• Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Depends on the circumstances of the individual and the availability of the visa.

Availability of immigrant visa numbers is reflected in the Visa Bulletin, which is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State. To know when you should continue with the application, then you have to follow the Visa Bulletin.

Visa Bulletin and processing times that applicants must track to confirm EB3 eligibility

The majority of foreign citizens can apply to be issued with an EB-3 visa. But the number of countries per year is limited, and the demand countries like India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines might have to wait longer. Always check the Visa Bulletin to track eb3 visa eligible countries and plan your application accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Achieve Your U.S. Green Card with EB-3

Understanding EB3 eligibility is the first step toward obtaining a U.S. Green Card. The EB-3 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency, family inclusion, and eventual citizenship. With careful preparation, accurate documentation, and professional guidance, you can maximize your chances of a successful application.

Partnering with UOM ensures a smoother and more reliable EB-3 application process with expert support every step of the way, helping you fully satisfy all EB3 eligibility requirements.

Book a Free Consultation with UOM Today!

For official information, visit:https://www.uomglobal.com